Benefits of Yogalates

Yogalates – a cross between yoga and pilates, has hit the fitness scene. What does it encompass, Rashmi Ramesh charts out the root and branches of yogalates. This yoga instructor explains what are the health benefits of the combination of the Indian ancient practice of yoga and pilates, Miley Cyrus’ fitness mantra. She tells you why yogalates has garnered importance, so let’s find out.

What is yogalates? - Firstly she explains yoga and pilates as two different entities to give you an indepth perspective. She says, “Yoga is an ancient practice that works on the union of Body, Breath and Mind. Pilates is an exercise technique that works on core strengthening and toning.”

Which brings us to what is yogalates? “If you combine the two, you get YogaLates which is a great combination to give you a toned supple and healthy body and a stress free mind,” explains our yoga guru.

What are the health benefits of yogalates? - We know the benefits of yoga – physically and mentally and the benefits of pilates – strengthens your body, improves breathing, posture and burns calories. As for the health benefits of yogalates, Rashmi lists them out, “Yogalates is very effective for weight-loss, toning, back and spine related problems, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes and menstrual problems. It improves flexibility and strengthens the body.”

What makes up yogalates? - There are few criteria and foundations that make up any exercises, Rashmi shares the importance of yogalates and how it will benefit your body. “There are no set number of poses that make up yogalates. Most of the yogalates exercises focus on the core abdominal muscles while working on other parts of the body at the same time.”

What is the difference between yoga and yogalates? - This is a question on everyone’s mind, how is yoga and yogalates different? Rashmi starts with yoga, “Yoga asanas involve getting into a position and observing your breath while holding the position, which makes it static.”

But there is a twist with yogalates, Rasmi explains the why yogalate is different from yoga, “Yogalates is more dynamic, it involves getting into a pose and then performing toning exercises while holding the pose. For example: If you get into Naukasan, with your head, hands and feet off the floor in a lying down (on the back) position, you then move your hands and legs crisscross like a scissor. This works on thighs and abdominal muscles and strengthens the spine.”

How many hours a week should you perform yogalates? - Workouts involve alternate days of intense training and recovery. Since yogalate is a different form of exercise the regularity of practicing yogalates differs too. Rashmi sets a routine that is favourable to working individuals, she says, “Twice or thrice a week for 1hr or 1.5hrs per day is a realistic aim for a working professional.”

Facts on Yogalates for beginners:

“If your aim is weight loss, you can expect to lose 2 to 3 inches overall in a month or after 8 sessions of yogalates.

If you are not used to exercising, your muscles might be sore for the first few weeks, after which your body will get used to it.

Your flexibility and body awareness will improve tremendously.”

What you need for yogalates? - Yogalates doesn’t need equipments for exercise, Rashmi says, “All you need is a yoga mat and a good teacher.” Yoga and pilates improves breathing, flexibility and strength, so what better way to get the benefits of both.